Pyruvate Kinase (PK, EC 2.7.1.40) is widely exists in animals, plants, microorganisms and cultured cells.
It could catalyze the final step of the glycolysis process. PK is one of the major rate-limiting enzymes in
the glycolysis process and one of the key enzymes for ATP production. Therefore, the determination of PK
activity is of great significance.
PK catalyzes the generation of ATP and pyruvate from phosphoenolpyruvate and ADP. Lactate
dehydrogenase further catalyzed NADH and pyruvate to generate lactic acid and NAD+. The NADH
degradation rate can measured at 340 nm to reflect the activity of PK.
Reagents and Equipment Required but Not Provided
Spectrophotometer, table centrifuge, water-bath, adjustable pipette, 1 mL quartz cuvette, mortar, ice and
distilled water.